It takes a special kind of person to find city council meetings fascinating. But that is ultimately why 17-year Herriman resident Terrah Anderson threw her hat into the ring when former Councilman Steven Shields left his seat open in May. “I’ve always found [city council meetings] interesting and had a desire for greater participation,” Councilwoman Anderson said.

Some 26 years ago, Herriman’s newest council member earned a master’s degree in public administration with an emphasis in nonprofit management. After a strenuous job hunt in a poor economy, she began a three-year stint working for the governor’s Office of Planning and Budget as a budget analyst. 

The mother of four then took a 15-year hiatus to raise her children, and when she was ready to return to work four years ago, she worked hard to network and reintegrate into the workforce amidst a competitive job market. Ultimately, the governor’s office couldn’t pass up the opportunity to rehire her, though she now focuses on strategic planning and policy development. 

Anderson also enjoyed working on the city planning commission for over two years, where she saw the inner workings of Herriman firsthand. “I’ve learned so much about our city and how city government works,” she said. “When the opportunity arose to apply for the city council position, I was excited to be able to learn and serve in this new way.”

Over the years, Anderson has discovered the importance of ongoing learning, asking questions, finding common ground and looking for opportunities to collaborate with others. These practices and her experiences have helped her face and overcome challenges. “Through trying new things, I’ve learned the value of seeking first to understand rather than to be understood,” she said. “I really enjoy hearing other people’s stories and learning about what they are passionate about.”

Community service is one of her own passions; the knowledge she has gained and the closer relationships she enjoys with family and friends who serve together are evident. “I really believe that serving helps us understand each other and build communities,” she said. Working at food banks, helping at literacy centers, mentoring refugees and serving on a school community council have given her significant glimpses into some of the needs within our community. 

By necessity, she has also become passionate about and adept at organization. “Juggling a lot of work and family and fun requires planning, great calendaring and some goal setting, and usually a spreadsheet or two,” she said with a chuckle. “I enjoy being organized - it’s how I get stuff done!”

Some of Anderson’s other hobbies include reading, gardening and hiking. She made use of Herriman’s community garden for seven years and loves hiking up Yellow Fork Canyon with her family. She and her software engineer husband also love taking their children on traveling adventures and playing games with them. 

Drawn to Herriman’s friendly, quiet community in 2007, she has watched the city bloom and grow tremendously. “It has been a great place to raise a family and be involved in the community,” she said. “I love our beautiful mountain views, our great businesses and our sense of welcoming community.”

Her excitement and optimism for the city’s future lend enthusiasm for her new position on the city council. “I am really looking forward to meeting more people in our community, understanding both their concerns and what they love about Herriman… connecting with others in this way… [and] preserving our sense of community,” she said. “Things will change, but… with planning, we can help keep Herriman on the great path that we are on. I’m so happy to live in a community that I love and be able to serve in this way!”

Anderson will serve through the remainder of 2025 and plans to run in a special election this November to keep her seat through the end of 2027.λ